Severe storm and flash flood warnings cancelled across NSW

Sydney was lashed by torrential rain as a severe storm hit the Harbour City, causing blackouts and flash flooding, and leaving pedestrians drenched.

Sydneysiders have been rescued from floodwaters and thousands of homes and businesses lost power as a huge storm rolled across the harbour city.

The State Emergency Service were called to three “active flood rescue” incidents in Sydney’s inner west on Monday afternoon.

However, at 7pm the Bureau of Meteorology cancelled the severe thunderstorm warning as conditions eased.

As thousands of lightning strikes flashed across the region about 3pm, almost 4000 power connections were lost in Freshwater, Curl Curl, North Manly, Brookvale, Bexley, Kingsgrove and Hurstville.

Rainfall on the east coast on Monday. Picture: Willy Weather

As of 8pm, Ausgrid reported 705 power connections were still out, due to eight unplanned outages.

The Bureau of Meteorology estimates 3000 lightning strikes struck between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Information from the SES shows rescuers were called to flood rescues in Strathfield, Croydon and Homebush.

The flash storm caught many Sydneysiders unaware. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Heavy rain fell on the CBD about 3pm on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

The Marrickville Golf Club has been doused with 29mm of rain on Monday, Allambie got 32mm and Webbs Creek copped 31mm.

There are forecast spots of rain for the rest of the week. The Eden Coast is still subject to a strong wind warning.

The storm smashed Sydney and major surrounding regions, with heavy rains lashing the city.

Lightning and thunder signalled the downpour. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

About 3.40pm the weather bureau provided an update, saying severe thunderstorms in the warning area had temporarily eased.

“However, the redevelopment of severe thunderstorms remains possible. The situation is being closely monitored and further detailed warnings will be issued as necessary,” the warning says.

A large area between Tamworth and Muswellbrook have all recorded more than 10mm of rain since 9am as well.